sandstone trails

In 2025, Spearfish Trails Coalition (STC) was awarded a $15,000 AARP Community Challenge Grant to improve trail connectivity and recreation opportunities in Spearfish. Working in partnership with the City of Spearfish Parks & Recreation Department, STC developed a plan to connect Lookout Mountain Park to the Sandstone Hills neighborhood.

The project includes a thoughtfully designed 17-acre, city-owned property adjacent to Lookout Mountain featuring a beginner-friendly singletrack connector trail and a network of beginner and intermediate bike-optimized trails. These trails are designed to help riders build confidence and develop skills by allowing them to repeat short trail segments in a progressive learning environment.

Phase 1 of the project was completed in October 2025 and included construction of the Lookout Link multi-use connector trail, Flowstone Express bike-optimized descending trail, and Makȟá Ascent climbing trail. These trails provide new recreational opportunities while creating an important connection between neighborhoods and Lookout Mountain Park.

  • Topographic map showing contour lines, property lines, trails, and roads, with labels and a scale indicating distance.

    Dream it.

    spearfish trails coalition has developed strong partnerships with our local stakeholders. this allowed us to move quickly in utilizing a community challenge grant from aarp to further our mission to build an inclusive, connected trail community that supports innovative trail experiences.

    Help Us Dream It
  • People working on landscaping or trail maintenance with tools, dirt, and natural scenery in the background.

    Build it.

    In 2025, volunteers from Spearfish Trails Coalition, the City of Spearfish Parks & Recreation Department, AARP, and Benchmark Trails came together to build Flowstone Express—Spearfish's first bike-optimized flow trail. This collaborative effort created an exciting new riding experience while demonstrating the power of community partnerships and volunteerism.

    Help Us Build It
  • A dirt trail with rocks along the side, leading up a hillside with sparse vegetation, with an open view of a town below and mountains in the distance under a cloudy sky.

    Grow it.

    In 2026, the City of Spearfish Parks & Recreation Department completed Phase 2 of the project by constructing Double Down Racetrack, a dual-slalom style descending trail based on Spearfish Trails Coalition's original design. The addition expanded the trail system with a fun, side-by-side riding experience that encourages friendly competition and skill development.

    Phase 3 of the project is planned for 2027 and will continue expanding the trail system.

    Help Us Grow It
A man operating an orange Kubota compact excavator digging into the ground in a grassy field with rolling hills and small trees in the background.
Two men working on a dirt trail, one in the foreground raking soil and the other in the background using a tool, in an outdoor area with trees, shrubs, and mountains in the distance.
Child in a helmet and casual clothes riding a black bicycle on a dirt trail with two other children in the background hiking up the trail on a sunny day in a hilly outdoor area with trees.
Three mountain bikers wearing helmets riding on a dirt trail through dry grassland with trees and blue sky in the background.
A dirt trail on a hillside with rocks and grass, overlooking a cityscape and highway in a valley under cloudy skies.
People digging in a dirt field, possibly uncovering or working on something underground.
A group of children and teenagers riding mountain bikes along a dirt trail in a hilly, grassy landscape under a blue sky.
People working on a hillside with gardening tools, under a cloudy sky, landscape with mountains in the background.
Person jump riding a mountain bike in a dirt field during a race or event, with spectators and other cyclists watching in the background.